When is time to take away the nuk?

November 9, 2010

When is the proper age to take away the nuk?

My cousin for what ever reason had a nuk that she had left over at our house one day. The puppy discovered it and it has been a favorite toy ever since. She really does suck on  it like a toddler would. If I let her keep it for too long will she get bucked teeth?

Speaking of teeth, do any of you brush your dog’s teeth? I’ve only for sure known one person that brushed her dogs teeth. I can not imagine getting Zoe to set still for two seconds to do it. She would just try to bite me like she normally does. My hands are riddled with scratches from sharp nails and teeth. She is getting better about not biting so much but when I play with her toys with her I inevitably get torn up.

To squeek or not to squeek… is that really the question? I personally love the sound of her working on her squeaky toys. There is absolute joy in the sound; I know it is pure happiness for her in that moment and I am not annoyed one little bit! Paul has asked why I insist on continuing to buy toys that squeek but honestly, every time she plays with it I smile so much and everyone needs something in their day that makes them smile.

The day is fast approaching when I will have to deliver the mail in Mount Nebo all by myself. I am beginning to panic because I am only now realizing how short my arms are. This is not something I have ever given a great deal of thought on. I just accepted my short extremities “in stride” so to speak. (pardon the pun) and have spent a small fortune getting clothes adjusted for me over the years.

But on November 22^nd I will have to reach across my center console and open the mail boxes on the opposite side of the Jeep with my 24 inch arms and pray for a miracle.  All this so that my local postman (John) can have the deer season opener off. How on earth did I get conned into this? I have spent 3-4 mornings every week in the post office learning to sort mail for the good people of Mount Nebo. I feel I now know the actual rural mail route and the big day approaches.

Do you think it would be too awful for me to hope for some very contagious disease? Nothing too awful … maybe something like mono? It’s just a thought.  

While I am at it… do your postal carrier a favor. Make sure your address is correct from everyone that you get mail from. They had a big 911 change of address out here and you wouldn’t believe the amount of mail that still comes to the old addresses. Keep in mind that this happened ages and ages ago! It’s sorta like “be kind and rewind”. Practice good karma for your postal carrier! P.S. cookies and other goodies are normally a welcome site too! J

To save money because I am a cheap azz I have decided to build a chicken coop instead of buying one coz they really do cost a fortune. What a freaking racket that is!!!  Any suggestions on what works, doesn’t work and on rodent/predator proofing is greatly welcome!!!

Anyway… enjoy the pic of Zoe while I go outside and rake the leaves and hunt for eggs.

Tut! Tut! Looks like sleet!

November 5, 2010

First sleet of the season and I am not ready! You heard it here first. I am not ready and I’m not afraid to admit it! I received an invitation to go on a Fiji familiarization trip at a steal of a price. I did go to Fiji about two years ago but part of the trip was ruined by Cyclone Gene. It is very tempting to skip out of here right as it is turning cold and run away to the South Pacific for some beach and sun… but it is for November 28^th and that is not enough time to plan. Plus… it is over hunting season and this is my second year and I don’t want to miss it. Excuses, excuses. (I must be loosing my mind!)

I was a bit late getting to the pen to let the chickens out this morning and somebody laid an egg and it wasn’t Jenny’s usual teaspoon size eggs. This one was a regular sized egg. This means that one of the Red Devils is layin’ but nobody claimed it. As a matter of fact… one of the chickens actually pecked it and broke it open! But then again, one of the younger ones may have just been curious about the egg. Could be something more sinister happening… Maybe one of the other hens was jealous and wanted to kill the egg. 

I still have no chicken coop and this weekend is going to be our first cold snap. I am probably over worried about my chickens but they are a bit like pets to me. At least the banties are! This week I did buy an infrared heating lamp for them but that sucker draws a lot of power. I have bought compact fluorescents for most of the house helping it will compensate for the extra energy used. Note to self… would love to get some solar panels one day!

This week also marked another growing up moment for me. Years ago I had a Rolling Stone subscription that I had paid for. It was before I met John. Way back when Kalin and I were roommates. Since then I have not wanted any other magazines other than T3 during the brief time it was in print here in the States.

Sharing a blanket on a chilly night.

Yesterday I ordered two subscriptions. Back Yard Poultry; which makes sense as I’m very into this whole back yard poultry movement. The other magazine was something I remember seeing Tom Littlejohn have; Mother Earth News. He really liked it and I had a very deep respect for him while growing up that has never changed. I’m glad he was a big part of my life even though there were times that I rebelled against it! I miss you Tom and there are many days that I wish I could ask your advice about things.

I don’t want to sound too sad but doesn’t everyone get like this during the changing of the seasons? It is a time to reflect back on the past year and get ready for winter. I am not ready… but I am working on it. Sunday I am going to pick up more wood for the stove which is our primary source of heat. And next week I’m meeting with some friends who are carpenters who will help me with my chicken coop. I’ve got over a month before the official start of winter so no need to panic yet. Then sometime over the next couple of weeks I need to break up the soil for the garden we will have next year. So much to do on this cold, wet fall day. I think I will curl up with Zoe and have a nap!